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Opal is a precious stone composed of silica similar to quartz with a varying amount of water trapped within the mineral structure. Up to 90% of all opal found is valueless "potch" (opal without colour, usually white or greyish white) but the remaining 10% is brilliantly coloured and a highly prized gem.
Coober Pedy is the largest opal mining town in the world - The Opal Capital of the World. The opal fields around Coober Pedy are pitted with abandoned prospecting drill holes up to 30 metres deep. It is illegal to enter a pegged claim without the miner's permission.
 The Opal Inn runs daily tours including a walk through an opal mine, 'divining' for opal (similar to 'divining' for water), a visit to the opal fields, and an opal cutting demonstration. All with expert information. Take a tour, see and learn about opal mining in a safe environment.
"More beautiful than diamonds". Most of the opal found around Coober Pedy is crystal opal, whitish in base colour with flashes of blue, green, red and orange, depending on the quality of the gem. Considered by the Romans to be more valuable than diamonds, opals were treasured because they combined the colours of every gem.
Visitors can try their luck, and are welcome to noodle (fossick) for opals at the Jewellers Shop Field within the town. It is not necessary to have a permit to noodle, but it is essential to obtain permission of the miner holding the mining permit. The safest way is to take part in an organised tour. A permit is required for mining.
 Watch where you walk! Remember that Coober Pedy is a mining town. Do not walk backwards, especially when taking photographs. Beware of machinery in operation and do not go onto the opal fields at night.
These are simply common sense warnings to ensure our visitors' safety. |
